SHT Show Judges Announced

Two theatre creators, an activist and a Member of Parliament will decide the winners of Spearhead Theatre’s first annual 24 SHT Show.

Matt Carter

Spearhead Theatre have announced the judges for its first annual 24 Hour SHT Show. The event, which takes place November 29-30, is a challenge to all theatre makers, actors, writers, comedians and performers. The idea is simple: create a play in 24 hours. There are a few simple guidelines and rules to follow but really, the stage is yours! Registration is still open. All the info can be found here.

Here are this year’s judges:

Jenica Atwin is passionate about people. She is an advocate for and within the education system around youth mental health, recreation, and culturally responsive education. On Oct 21st she was elected as the first female MP for Fredericton. She is eager to get to work fighting climate change, rampant poverty, and mental illness, and advancing the work of reconciliation with First Nations. Artistic and cultural expression have been key interests and outlets for her throughout her life. As a student in Oromocto, Jenica participated in many school theatre projects and local drama festivals. She spent many summers enjoying the Calithumpians and other theatre NB presentations. She also dabbled in play writing during her undergraduate degree at UNB.

Scott Shannon has been performing and/or directing shows for Nasty Shadows Theatre Company since co-founding the Company in the Summer of ’99 — 20 years ago. Born in Saint John and growing up in the Kennebecasis Valley, Scott attended Dalhousie University along with UNB on both the Saint John and Fredericton campuses. It was during his first summer in Fredericton (1999) when Scott and his former professor from UNBSJ, Robert Moore, began making theatre under the name Nasty Shadows. Upon graduation from UNB, Scott began working for UNB Libraries by day managing online access to library resources, while making theatre in the other available time. He has worked with numerous theatre groups in Saint John and Fredericton areas since the 1980s, but most of his theatre time is focused on work with Nasty Shadows.

Reid Lodge is a local transgender activist and theatre enthusiast. While Reid enjoys performing on stage, their true passion lies in the backstage world of props and costumes, where craft foam, hot glue, and creative trips to the hardware store abound!

Kelly McAllister is an actor, singer, puppeteer, and Artistic Director of Spearhead Theatre. Since graduating from Sheridan College at the top of her program, Kelly has taught and directed young adults at Toronto Youth Theatre, originated the role of Rose Nylund in Thank You For Being a Friend (which had several successful runs before its National Tour), and has made a wonderful transition into the Maritime Arts community as an actor and as the Director at KidSing Performance Schools. She is very passionate about bringing more professional theatre to the Maritimes, and is a strong advocate for stronger representation of women and minorities in the arts. When she is not performing or planning what’s next for Spearhead Theatre, she can be found going on adventures with her dog, Linus. Recent acting credits include Dr. Diotima Mantinea in Philosophia (Apartment 4 Players), Agnes in Agnes of God(Spearhead Theatre), Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Bard in the Barracks), and Dr. Madden in Next to Normal (Harmony Productions).

Spearhead Theatre is a non-profit theatre company based in Fredericton, New Brunswick. We are focused on revitalizing classic works that challenge and appeal to today’s audiences along with bringing dynamic new works to the stage.